Bellingham woman wins contest with her 56-year-old furnace

A Bellingham woman grew up in an era of five-and-dime stores, penny candy and 99-cent six-packs of beer. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Being frugal was a good thing. But Marilyn Kuhns had to admit that eventually things like cars and appliances need to be replaced – even her 56-year-old furnace,

A furnace typically has a lifespan of 15-20 years but Kuhns’ furnace was quite an overachiever. She and her late husband Jerry bought a house in the Columbia neighborhood in 1966. They bought a furnace in 1969 and Kuhns has been there since then.

With that furnace working fine, Kuhns used her time on more pressing things. She raised her children and worked as a floral designer in Bellingham shops, primarily I.V. Wilson Florist and A New Leaf Florist Shoppe.

Finally, she decided that furnace had served its purpose.

“It’s been in the back of my mind for some time,” Kuhns said. “I didn’t want it to quit during the really cold months.”

Kuhns contacted Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing – almost as old as the furnace since the company was founded in 1972. Chris Travers, a Home Performance Expert for Barron, was amazed her furnace lasted so long. However, he said today’s furnaces are much more efficient than ones manufactured in the 1960s, reducing monthly utility bills. Also, repairs are much less likely, even if appropriate parts can be found for old furnaces, Travers added.

The timing was fortuitous. Barron was having a contest – the customer with the oldest furnace replaced would have a new one installed for free up to $6,000.

“I was pretty much speechless,” Kuhns said of being notified that she was the winner. “I love my new one.”

With her new furnace in place, Kuhns returned to maintaining her home and yard by herself – after getting up early to swim every day, of course. Comfortable in her home, she’s not going anywhere.

“I love my neighborhood,” she said.

Committed to improving lives through its licensed technicians, electricians, plumbers, and Certified Home Performance Experts, Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing provides a wide range of heating, cooling, solar, electrical, plumbing, and indoor air quality products and services. It also offers a large selection of stoves and fireplaces in its Firelight by Barron showrooms.

Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing has become one of Northwest Washington’s largest and most respected home performance experts. A showroom in Ferndale and approximately 200 local employees serve customers along the I-5 corridor from Blaine to Marysville, Oak Harbor to Concrete, and the San Juan Islands.

For information, call (360) 676-1131 or visit www.barronheating.com.